Shots fired into vehicles

Posted: Monday, Jul 21st, 2014BY: TARMO HANNULA

WATSONVILLE — Police are investigating two shooting incidents Saturday that left two vehicles with bullet holes but no injuries.

The first incident occurred at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday in the area of Sixth Street. When officers arrived on scene witnesses indicated gunfire had occurred near 145 Sixth St. Witnesses also pointed out a possible victim, said Sgt. Mike Ridgway.

A vehicle parked in the parking lot of 145 Sixth St. had several bullet holes in the right front fender. Another bullet hole was found in a garage door directly behind the parked vehicle.

Watsonville Police collected evidence of the shooting and impounded the vehicle in hopes of retrieving further evidence.

Police contacted the victim, who was not injured, but he refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Then, later the same day, at 11:25 p.m., WPD officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the area of the Crossroads Shopping Center located on the 1900 block of Main Street. While responding to the area, officers were updated that both vehicles involved in the shooting were leaving the area.

Officers arrived within moments of the call, said Sgt. Ed Delfin. Through statements by witnesses, officers learned that there was an altercation between two groups from two different vehicles. A single gunshot was fired from one of the vehicles, striking the other vehicle. Both vehicles left the area at a high speed.

“At this point, it is unclear whether anyone was struck by the gunshot,” Delfin said.

The investigation in both cases is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Watsonville Police Department at 471-1151, the anonymous tip line at 768-3544, or the Watsonville Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 768-3352.